SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

PATTY GLASER, PH.D

PATTY GLASER, PH.D.

CEO/HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dr. Glaser opens and grows schools! Creating schools to match community needs is her passion; especially schools that serve all kinds of learners. Dr. Glaser’s dynamic career includes more than 20 years of school leadership experience and 18 years as a speech language pathologist. Dr. Glaser, a proud native of New Orleans, earned a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Orleans. Dr. Glaser is the Founding Head of School and CEO of Discovery Schools. Prior to serving Discovery, Dr. Glaser held leadership roles at Lusher Charter School and Holy Rosary Academy & High School. Dr. Glaser is the recipient of the Christopher Columbus Award for finding new solutions to community problems and also a member of the University of New Orleans College of Education & Human Performance Hall of Fame. Dr. Glaser is the recipient of the Bureau of Governmental Research Innovation Award for Excellence in Government Awards honoring extraordinary local and state government employees and private citizens in the New Orleans area. 

Dr. Glaser’s doctoral work is in designing curriculum for charter schools. She has been the lead writer for 5 community charters from start-up to full approval. As Head of School at Discovery Schools, Dr. Glaser’s goal is to grow a charter school network with an expert faculty, a vibrant community, and enthusiastic students.

SHARON PREEN, M.ED.

SHARON PREEN, M.ED.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 

Ms. Preen is an Instructional leader with a strong academic vision that elevates student learning and academic opportunities. Ms. Preen earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education from the University of New Orleans. Her undergraduate degree is in History with a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification from Tulane University. For over 25 years, she has worked in schools with a diverse population of learners and a wide range of students with special needs and abilities. While at Discovery, Ms. Preen has served in an executive leadership role and has developed academic programs that enrich student learning opportunities and experiences. Ms. Preen believes that all students are entitled to a high-quality education that prepares them to reach their full potential. Ms. Preen is a graduate of Leadership Jefferson Class of 2016 and completed the prestigious Louisiana Superintendents’ Academy Cohort 8.

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KRIS SCAIRONO

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Mr. Scairono has worked in accounting, finance, audit and banking for over 23 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and received his Master of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans.  Mr. Scairono is a Certified Internal Auditor and a Certified Information Systems Auditor. Mr. Scairono’s experience with charter schools began in 2017 when he joined the Hynes Charter School Board to provide financial expertise as they sought to open additional locations. After years of planning, budgeting, capital raising and construction, Mr. Scairono is excited to see the new state-of-the-art Hynes campus on the grounds of the University of New Orleans.   Discovery Schools provides Mr. Scairono the opportunity to combine his financial acumen and his passion for serving others in a meaningful way.

Rebecca Bravender

REBECCA BRAVENDER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Ms. Rebecca Bravender is a New Orleans native with more than 15 years of Human Resources experience. Her interest in the impact that people have on organizations has led her to explore roles in talent management, compensation, finance, and HR strategy with a focus on energizing talent to solve problems and produce results. Rebecca graduated with a degree in human and organizational development minoring in economics from Vanderbilt University and holds an MBA from Tulane University.

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DANIEL CASBERGUE

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Casbergue brings nearly 20 years of experience in the field of information technology. He graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with a degree in Graphic Design, and later earned a degree in Computer Science from Tulane University. Throughout his career, Daniel has been dedicated to leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes. 

At Discovery Schools, Daniel’s passion projects often include using automation to improve workflows. He is also committed to ensuring that the institution remains a technological leader in the K-12 space. Daniel is excited to continue his work at Discovery Schools, fostering a tech-savvy environment that supports both staff and students.

GUITTERREZ

KEVIN GUITTERREZ

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Guitterrez holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from the University of Holy Cross, a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New Orleans, and is a fellow of Loyola University’s Institute of Politics. Dr. Guitterrez has a 30-year background in education and school leadership. As the Director of Strategic Development, he supports its expansion and advancement. Additionally, he founded Greenfield Partners, LLC, helping organizations in areas such as human capital, operations, and governance. Dr. Guitterrez has a history of leadership in various educational organizations and is actively involved in nonprofit initiatives.

MICHAEL KENNEDY JR., PH.D.

MICHAEL KENNEDY JR., PH.D.

DIRECTOR OF CULTURE

Dr. Kennedy earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi in Educational Supervision and Administration. He also has a Master of Public Administration from Louisiana State University and a Master of Art in Teaching from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. Dr. Kennedy’s commitment to student success spans over 15 years. While functioning as the Director of Culture, he is loved by students and families for his positive and motivating discipline strategies. Dr. Kennedy’s mission is to serve and support students and families to ensure student success.

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ALLISON LOWE, M.ED.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING (PK-6)

Mrs. Lowe is an accomplished educational leader with over two decades of experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and school administration. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning (PreK-6) at Discovery Schools she spearheads academic initiatives across four campuses. Before joining Discovery Schools, her leadership roles at Crescent City Schools, including as Principal of Akili Academy, saw her develop equitable instructional practices, increase teacher retention, secure significant funding for enrichment programs, and improve student outcomes across diverse populations.

With a strong foundation in literacy and writing, Allison has contributed as a Teacher Consultant for the National Writing Project and led professional development workshops for educators across Louisiana. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of New Orleans, where she received several honors for her academic and professional accomplishments, including the Distinguished Master of Arts Alumni Award.

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CANDICE SCHOTT, M.ED

DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING (7-12)

Mrs. Schott, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a Master of Education in School Counseling, has a strong track record of serving at-risk populations in grades Pre-K through 12. Her roles in administration and teaching have equipped her with a deep understanding of curriculum offerings and educational paths. Mrs. Schott’s overarching goal is to provide comprehensive curriculum support for teachers, ensuring that Discovery students are equipped with a challenging and engaging curriculum that will not only prepare them for college and careers but also inspire them to reach their full potential.

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NICK WALKER

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Mr. Walker joined the Discovery team in 2020 as the Director of Operations. Mr. Walker is a native of New Orleans and graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, with a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational studies. Mr. Walker is responsible for overseeing Discovery’s operating procedures and vendor communications.

JESSE WATSON

JESSE WATSON, PH.D.

DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Distinguished as a vibrant and driven leader, Dr. Watson, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA (SUBR) and later earned dual Master’s Degrees from SUBR, Master of Public Administration at Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Master of Education in Administration and Supervision Dr. Watson earned his doctorate of philosophy degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

In Summer 2021, Dr. Watson accepted a promotion to the Discovery Schools Hub (central office) as the Director of Recruitment and Community Engagement. Prior to joining Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy as founding principal in 2013, Dr. Watson was an assistant principal at one of the state’s top performing charter schools and an instructional leader at both the middle school and collegiate levels. Dr. Watson is also a published author and has presented educational research at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally. Dr. Watson enjoys traveling, music and all sports, especially golf.